Growing Sweet corn, also corn,maize

Zea mays, var. rugosa : Poaceae / the grass family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S           S S S S S S
T T T         T T T T T
P P           P P P P P

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): All beans, cucumber, melons, peas, pumpkin, squash, amaranth
  • Avoid growing close to: Celery.

Your comments and tips

24 Jan 14, nic (Australia - temperate climate)
yes
22 Dec 13, bren stephens (Australia - temperate climate)
thank you so much for the great clear explanation. it is our first try at corn. bren
19 Dec 13, bren (Australia - temperate climate)
We are trying to grow sweet corn in Coogee sydney. The plants are growing but the top 9 inches have turned to seed like things and lower down the stem there is feathery like fronds. Should I cut the seed like things off? Thanks in anticipation. Bren
20 Dec 13, (Australia - arid climate)
Do NOT cut them off! That is where the pollen to fertilize the cobs comes from. The feathery bit or silks as they are known are there to receive the pollen. I hope this is not too late too save your corn.
30 Nov 13, Allan (Australia - temperate climate)
Little black bugs. Very skinny, weaving in and around the kernels of my corn cobs. Does anyone have any ideas on what these are. About half the lengths of a typical kernel and half the thickness of the hairs on the corn. Thanks
27 Nov 13, Angel (Australia - temperate climate)
when is it the best time to plant sweet corn
11 Nov 13, jeanne baker (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
the question how to grow corn. Corn does not like too much water. If you grow pumpkin, plant corn with it. Neither of them like to be watered too much. Just a short watering by hand held hose in the mornings is usually all that is needed, but of course you must also mulch. Sugar cane is good for this
09 Nov 13, Roger (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I planted sweet corn seedlings a week ago. The tips of the leaves are turning brown. Not sure why. Seedlings are in full sun and have been watered every day.
25 Mar 14, Mathew (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi It always depends on your climate and how much water your giving them, remember they don't like too much water. if your leaves are squishy they're being watered too much. if they're dry there not getting enough water.
06 Dec 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
i had this problem and read it may be not enough nitrogen, so i used some nitrogen rich liquid fertilizer and the brown leaf ends are now gone.
Showing 181 - 190 of 323 comments

Our corn has grown well but on opening it to check there were caterpillars eating it. What is the best way to control these?

- Colin and Taksan

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